Much of the discussion was about property in the Bell-Muir neighborhood in northwestern Chico, and the problems aren't just about new residential uses going in adjacent to existing ag uses.

Oroville Supervisor Bill Connelly said he is aware that some new orchards are being planted adjacent to existing residential property.

Rich Price, county ag commissioner, said the question of the buffer is tied to spraying. He said state law requires that any chemicals used by farmers and orchardists must not stray across the individual's property lines. In these close conditions there are a range of chemicals that simply cannot be used, and Price said that is a reality a grower has to understand.

County Counsel Bruce Alpert said a "right to farm" document could be added to the deeds on residential property, warning the residents they will experience noise, dust, smells, early and late hours of operation, and they are prohibited from complaining to the county about the conditions.

"One thing you can't quite mitigate for is spraying," said the attorney.

Price also pointed out that the planting of new orchards means, for almonds, a commitment of 35 to 40 years of production, and for walnuts that could stretch to 50 years.

Hahn said there are people who have begun the process of putting a residential development on their land, but until the issue has been worked out they can't move ahead.

"I think we owe it to them, to be very honest," said Hahn.

Pete Calarco, assistant director of the county's Department of Development Services, told the board he thinks the staff can come back with a list of possible options to deal with the problem.

Speaking to the supervisors, Hahn said, "This is not going to be a nice easy issue for you. This is where you are earning your money."